Ciere Boatright -

Ciere Boatright was appointed commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) in November 2023 by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

An experienced real estate and economic development executive, she is responsible for leading DPD’s economic development, planning and zoning functions while promoting inclusive, equitable growth across the city.

In her previous capacity as vice president of real estate and community development at Chicago-based CRG, Ciere was responsible for overseeing some of the company’s highest-impact real estate projects, collaborating with government officials, engaging with community organizations and securing public and private financing.

While at CRG, Ciere also launched the company’s philanthropic arm and a mentoring program to support commercial developers of color. She was formerly vice president of real estate and inclusion for Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, where she managed the planning and development of new projects on the city’s South and West sides, including more than $450 million in new investment involving the 180-acre, mixed-use Pullman Park project.

Local business publications have named Ciere among Notable Women in Commercial Real Estate, 40 Under 40, Notable Black Leaders and Executives, and Notable Executives of Color in Construction and Commercial Real Estate. She holds a master’s degree of urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois Chicago and a bachelor’s in psychology from Hamilton College.

A Chicago native, Ciere resides on the South Side with her husband and two children.